RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Electric
Gain / (Loss) on derivatives
Unrealized losses applicable to financial instruments which will settle in next twelve months	$ 3,300,000
Period within which financial instruments will settle	12 months
Amount of Loss on Derivative recognized as Regulatory assets	(2,448,000)	(6,965,000)
Amount of Gain / (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	(3,985,000)	(2,231,000)
Gas
Gain / (Loss) on derivatives
Amount of Loss on Derivative recognized as Regulatory assets	(461,000)	(1,916,000)
Commodity contracts | Electric
Gain / (Loss) on derivatives
Amount of Loss on Derivative recognized as Regulatory assets	(2,448,000)	(6,965,000)
Amount of Gain / (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	(3,985,000)	(2,231,000)
Commodity contracts | Gas
Gain / (Loss) on derivatives
Amount of Loss on Derivative recognized as Regulatory assets	$ (461,000)	$ (1,916,000)